Wind power arrived in 2009

2009 YEAR IN REVIEW

Selectmen Alan Sentkowski (l.) and Joe O’Brien speak at the memorial service for Dennis Rindone.
In December, following almost 10 years of studies, meetings, lawsuits and the arduous process of erecting the 230-foot towers and turbines, Princeton finally got wind power. The giant blades that began whirring this month at the Princeton Municipal Light Department’s wind farm off Westminster Road are expected to supply 40 percent of the town’s energy. It took more than 15 trucks to carry parts to the site just to assemble the lattice-boom crawler crane needed to erect the towers. PMLD plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring. … GOODBYE TO DENNIS: The community was stunned with the news that long-time town administrator Dennis Rindone had died suddenly at his home early on the morning of March 1. Rindone had led the town for 11 years at the time of his death, and over the years had developed relationships with many in the community, attending hundreds of events, and adopting Princeton as his own. Former Shrewsbury selectman John Lebeaux was later hired as the town’s new administrator. … TEARS OF THE CLOWNS: Also in March, Princeton residents were again shocked when they learned of the death of Bonnie Steadman, aka “Sunshine the Clown,” who died of injuries suffered in a fall on her basement stairs. More than 800 people attended a memorial service at the Heritage Bible Chapel, including clowns in costume who carried the casket into the church. … HAPPY 250TH!: A year spent celebrating the town’s 250th anniversary kicked off Dec. 31, 2008 when more than 1,000 people from Princeton and Westminster (also celebrating its 250th) attended a party at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, and drew to a close with an Oct. 30 dance at the mountain. In between, the town welcomed its first ever town flag, designed by residents Anita Cook, Karen Daigle and Michelle Sciabarrasi, that was unveiled at the Statehouse. Princeton Center Day in May drew hundreds of people who came to reminisce about the good old days when the building was a school. Hundreds attended a Town Fair at Krashes Field in August, complete with hot air balloon rides and fireworks, and a grand finale concert was held in October. … SUNNY SPARED: Selectmen held two public hearings to discuss the fate of Sunny, an Alaskan Malamute accused of biting two people. They initially ordered the dog euthanized, but following a court appeal, they and the dog’s owner reached an agreement in April allowing Sunny to live in a restricted area and undergo obedience training. … THE BIG CLEANUP: Cleaning up after the disastrous ice storm of Dec. 11, 2008, took months, especially when it became clear Princeton had been one of the hardest hit towns in the commonwealth. Cleanup costs totaled $3.8 million for the town and the light department, with most of it reimbursed by the federal and state governments. In September Light Department Manager Jonathan Fitch received the Distinguished Service Award from North East Public Power Association for his work in the aftermath of the ice storm. Hearts for Heat recently released a DVD of the “Ice Storm of the Century” complete with photographs and interviews with officials and residents. … SHRINKING SCHOOL: In June residents learned that enrollment at the Thomas Prince School is shrinking at a rate that could threaten the viability of the school by 2018-19. Principal Mary Cringan said the school has been grappling with the issue for the past 15 years. Projected enrollment for that year is 261; this year 405 students attend the school. A town task force recommended a theme-based structure that would capitalize on the school’s small personal community and rural setting as a way to attract more students. … TRASH TALK: Earlier this year, selectmen, boards of health and residents of Hubbardston, Princeton, and Templeton expressed interest in a regional trash and recycling program — but not enough interest to get the program off the ground. Despite the projected cost savings and enhanced recycling by going with a single hauler, the program failed to garner the 60 percent participation from the three towns in order to launch. The Board of Health continues to explore other options for trash pickup. … GOINGS AND COMINGS: Longtime Police Chief Charles Schmohl announced his retirement in July after a 40-year career on the Princeton Police Department. Schmohl was the face of the department, the only officer who lived in town and was often the first on the scene at late night emergencies. Selectmen appointed Lt. Michele Powers interim chief, taking over the department when Schmohl left in September. Charlie Schmohl (r.) retired as chief of police, and Michele Powers (c.) was named interim chief. A massive windmill blade is lifted atop a tower. The two windmills are expected to supply 40 percent of Princeton’s power.